Jersey Journal file photoPatrick Ricciardi, seen here in a 2007 Jersey Journal file photo when the city opened its first wifi hotspot, is accused of illegally setting up an archive file that collected emails to and from Hoboken Mayor Zimmer's office.

Ricciardi, who Zimmer says was suspended without pay in May, is accused of setting up an archive file that illegally collected emails to and from the mayor's office. He is accused of then sending some of those emails to others.

Here is Zimmer's statement:

“In May, my Administration suspected wrongdoing regarding electronic communications in City Hall. We hired a private security firm to evaluate the situation and discovered evidence of potential wrongdoing. As I have done whenever my Administration has uncovered such evidence since I became Mayor in 2009, my Administration immediately contacted the appropriate authorities — in this case the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We provided them with all evidence and have been working with the FBI since. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and the special agents in the FBI Newark field office for their assistance and for taking this matter seriously.

“This is a good example of our City working with the authorities and demonstrates the justice system at work.

“As we have done in the past, my Administration is respectful of the presumption of innocence while taking the necessary actions to protect the interests of the City. Patrick Ricciardi, who has worked for the City of Hoboken since 1992, has been suspended without pay since May.”

Here is Mason's statement:

"As you may be aware, the US Attorney’s Office announced that Hoboken’s former IT Official surrendered to FBI Agents after admitting to intercepting and leaking City information.

"Also, included in the indictment are three unidentified individuals who are simply described as (1) a City municipal official, (2) a former City municipal official, and (3) a City municipal employee. The names of these individuals should be released immediately. The people of Hoboken have a right to know how their trust was violated.

"Open public records laws allow for individuals to obtain information in a legal manner and any dishonest tactics used to circumvent this process is inexcusable. This is a sad day for the people of Hoboken."

Ricciardi is scheduled to appear in federal court this afternoon. Check back with Hoboken Now for updates.